Semicolons Quiz

What is the purpose of using a semicolon in a sentence?

• To indicate a pause in the sentence

• To separate two closely related sentences

In which of the following sentences is a semicolon used correctly to join two closely related independent clauses?

• Mary hated her shoes; and they were too small and ugly.

• Mary hated her shoes; they were too small and ugly.

• Mary hated her shoes; they were expensive.

Which word is a conjunctive adverb?

• yet

• therefore

• but

When should a semicolon be used with a conjunctive adverb?

• To join two independent clauses

• To connect the adverb with a coordinating conjunction

Which sentence correctly punctuates two independent clauses with a conjunctive adverb?

• I want to believe the child's story, however, I can tell he is lying to me about stealing the cookies.

• I want to believe the child's story; however, I can tell he is lying to me about stealing the cookies.

• I want to believe the child's story, but I can tell he is lying to me about stealing the cookies.